Do your kids know this chicken?

If you are a mom or dad of a toddler than you may know Chica the Chicken from The Sunny Side Up Show on Sprout, the 24 hour television network for preschoolers. If you and your family would love to meet Chica and are looking for a weekend adventure, here are two options. Sprout is offering eight lucky viewers a special opportunity to meet Chica live and in person with the Mr. Mailman Summer Adventures Contest. Eight families will also win as part of their prize an expense paid trip to visit Philadelphia's smart and cool summer attractions including the Please Touch Museum and Sesame Place. Of course not everyone who enters will win. But, don't fret ...there is a consolation.

If you plan to be in the Philadelphia area this weekend, your kids can meet Chica the Chicken for free at the Kids In Center City Playdate. Fun crafts, games, and information for parents will be available from representatives of The Franklin Institute, The National Constitution Center, Philadelphia Art Alliance, Pennsylvania Academy Of The Fine Arts, and The Philadelphia Museum Of Art.

Event: KidsInCenterCity.com Saturday Playdate
Date: April 17, 10:30am-1pm
Location: Comcast Center, 17th Street and JFK Boulevard


This is guaranteed to be a fun time for the whole family. For more information, visit www.kidsincentercity.com.


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Do flash mobbing Philly teens have talent?

By Shalita Hale

Empowering through Action (EAC)and The Agogo Cultural Center are willing to wager that Philly kids do indeed have talent. In fact, they are challenging children ages 13-18, in Philadelphia public and parochial schools to 'Get Off the Street & Onto The Stage'. Tyema Sanchez of EAC and Sean Coleman of the Agogo Center have joined forces to put on a talent showcase unlike any other this city has seen. Deadline for entry forms is April 30th, 2010. Auditions will be held on Saturday May 8th and Sunday May 9th, 2010 at the Walter D. Palmer Leadership Charter School located at 910 N. 6th St, Philadelphia, PA 19123. Auditions are by advanced registration only. Thousands of dollars worth of prestigious prizes will be awarded including studio time, training, media kits, CD releases, and performance tours. All participants will receive an all expense paid day trip to Washington, D.C.

Sponsorship and vendor packages are also available, but will sell out fast. If you are a parent, educator, business, or volunteer and you would like more information on how you can participate, please call 866-382-0191 or visit www.phillykidsots.com for entry forms and more information.

Philadelphia children have gathered and cried out for our help. It is our turn now to answer their call! Challenge every child you know to Get Off the Street and Onto the Stage!

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A New Neighborhood (Keys For Kids)

I found this message on CBH ministry's Keys for Kids website It's also available there in audio form. Family and friends, please keep the Sydnor family in prayer, especially Ashley, a Bethel ABC reader


Tears spilled down Sophia's cheeks. "I want Grandpa back," she cried. Sophia knew her grandpa was with Jesus, but she missed him so much. She remembered the times he had spent with her-reading stories, going for walks, or playing her favorite games.

Mom put her arm around Sophia. "It's hard to lose someone we love, and it's okay to cry," Mom said softly, "but let's think about Grandpa in his new home in heaven and how much he's enjoying it. And just think how wonderful it will be when we all join him there someday-more wonderful than we can even imagine."

Sophia nodded. "Yes, I know . . . but he always liked to be with us," she said. "I bet he misses us, too."

Mom was quiet for a moment. "Do you remember the neighborhood where we used to live?" she asked.

"In Indiana?" asked Sophia. "Sure."

"You liked your friends there," said Mom, "but do you wish we could move back?"

"Not really," said Sophia, shaking her head. "I like my new friends here, too. And our house is bigger-I even have a room all to myself. And the weather here is so warm that we can play outside all year. We're not moving back, are we?"

"No, Sophia, we're not moving back, just like Grandpa isn't moving back to earth after experiencing heaven. He has a new body and no sadness or pain."

"So . . . he wouldn't really want to move back, right?" asked Sophia.

Mom shook her head. "Grandpa is in heaven with Jesus.
And because you and I have Jesus as our Savior, we'll go there someday, too.
Then we'll live with Jesus and Grandpa in our heavenly
neighborhood."




HOW ABOUT YOU?
Has someone you love died? The Bible says that God is preparing a place for all those who love Jesus-a place that is far better than anything we can imagine. It's okay to miss loved ones and even to cry at times, but isn't it wonderful to know that someday all sorrow and pain will be ended and all who know Jesus will spend eternity with Him?


TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (John 14:2)

Keep striving

I heard Stephanie Renee aka the Vibe Mistress, sing at an event in support of cancer awareness called Soul Survivors in January. Her voice was soothing, like a lullaby, but not the kind before bed time. This was more like a tune you might hear while busting suds (washing dishes) with grand-mom, or while piling sweet potatoes on plates at the family reunion. It was such a moving and meaningful experience to listen to those melodic words in the company of family. Literally speaking, we weren't related by blood or marriage or even close friends. In fact, many of us were strangers to each other. Yet, in that moment where we all joined in to sing together, we were family. We were a family united in the action of loving each other for love's sake. It was clear that the only agenda outside of raising money for the cause was to uplift and inspire one another. It felt so good to be there...to hear and feel that spirit, that I brought the song home with me. My tween daughters and I committed it to memory and now it's sort of like our theme song. I have a feeling it may come in handy for them one day. It has for me. Maybe you could use it, too. Take a listen.

Gotta Be by Des'ree on Itunes for $1.29

Winter break activities at Arthur Ashe Youth Tennis in Philadelphia

Does your sedentary student need a break from the boob tube during the winter break? Try tennis at Arthur Ashe Youth Tennis Center in Philadelphia. Now is the best time to register for the next season of clinics which begin on January 5th, 2010. Program options are affordable starting at $65 per eight week session. Financial aid is available for those who qualify.

Players from beginning to advanced levels are prepared for success both on and off the court. If you're interested in opening doors for your child's future with a new sport, visit during the holiday break to get acquainted with Philadelphia tennis life at Ashe. Students are encouraged to check books out of the on-site library, practice good sportsmanship, learn fundamental tennis skills, and develop lasting friendships. Group clinics and private lessons are offered to munchkins through adults and are available seven days a week.

There are three special events scheduled for the winter break during the week of December 27th through January 3rd.

* December 27: Battle of the Best tournament for All Clinic Levels
* December 28-30: Elite Academy for tournament and other competition development
* December 30-31: Night at Ashe for ages 7-12 (a sleep over tennis marathon)
* January 2-3, 2010: Night at Ashe for ages 13 and up

For more information on winter break events contact Terrance Scott, Coordinator, Coach, and Program Manager at 215-487-9555. Equipment is provided for those who don't own a tennis racket, but if you'd like to come prepared, you can find one here at eSportsonline and have it delivered in time for the events.


If you would like to continue to receive information on resources and opportunities for your child, please subscribe.

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Holiday Shopping Guide: 10 Online Retailers offering same/next day shipping proves promising for last minute shoppers on the east coast

You're a procrastinator. Don't fret, you're not alone. There's hope courtesy of several online retailers.

According to the National Retail Federation's 2009 Holiday Consumer Intentions and Actions Survey, most of us haven't completed even half of our holiday shopping as of Wednesday, December 16th. Quite naturally, then, you would expect the malls and stores to be mobbed by the usual elbow jabbing and garment snatching shoppers this weekend.

Maybe not this year, says Mother Nature. Reports of a major snow storm in Philadelphia may hinder our seriously flawed shopping agenda. NBC Meteorologist Bill Henley describes the looming storm as "One of the biggest storms we've seen in December."

Still, there is hope for last minute shoppers and their families. Many online retailers have included expedited shipping options to accommodate the latecomers. Gifts for men, women and children are available and can be delivered to your door as soon as the very next day provided orders are placed before 2PM. Technology makes the process more manageable by offering UPS tracking applications on Apple Iphones as well as just about any other mobile phone. Wednesday, Dec. 23, will be the busiest day for UPS air express packages.

According to UPS.com, UPS will deliver more than 6 million air packages on that day globally. Visit these retailer's to make sure your package is one of them.


Food and Wine


Ladies love chocolate Check out these delicious holiday gifts from an online leader in confections

Give Grandma a week's worth of gourmet. Magic Kitchen's expert chefs prepare scintillating and delicious, restaurant quality meals and additionally offer special menus for diabetic clients. Holiday entertaining can be easy. Shop now for Christmas, New Year's, and great gift ideas!

Candy for the KidsThe Exquisite Christmas Gift Basket From Jelly Belly!

Give the Gift of Cheer Holiday Treasures Wine Gift Pack - 6 Bottles for Just $69 + $0 Shipping! Use Code: Holiday13

Clothing and Accessories

Jewelry, fashion, and outerwear for the stylista in your life is available here and more importantly, available now.

dELiA*s End of Season Clearance: Up to 80% Off!

You can get an entire wardrobe for her at Dereon including eye wear, intimates, runway fashion for women, children, and plus sizes.Shop Today for Special Online Exclusive Offers from Dereon!

For the big and little man in your life, Phat Farm is offering 40% off the entire site. Enter the code PHAT40OFFSITE. This Just In…Shop New Arrivals from Phat Farm!

$5 Flat Rate Shipping. Guaranteed to Get There In Time for The Holidays. Domestic only. Orders must be placed by 2pm EST. Valid thru 12.23.09. See online store for details.

Toys, Games, and Fragrance

Games, toys, and sports equipment for 50% or more off most items at eSportsonline


Find fragrance, bath, and body gifts for everyone on your list and save Big, up to 70% OFF

Top 5 philly scenes for your tween's New Year's Eve

By Shalita Hale

For those of us who are raising children, the party scene during the holiday season gradually loses it's appeal. Many families feel that they hardly interact with each other as it is and use the holidays as a way to catch up on quality time. Then, there are those who would rather be donning stilettos and sipping champagne, but are sadly, sitter-less on New Year's Eve. Whatever your situation, take heart. Philadelphia is a vibrant city brimming with tradition, culture, and coolness. You and your tweens are sure to find a fabulous time. Take a look at 2010's top five, Philly scene's for your tween's New Year's Eve:

Scene #5 Have a play date at your place. There are few events in life that a tween cherishes more than the coveted sleep over party. Enjoy instant rock star parent status by hosting an authentic New Year's Eve party complete with noise makers, screw together champagne glasses, sparkling apple cider, and kid-friendly, yet fancy Hors d'oeuvres for the whole family. Add Karaoke and card games and your kids might not even make it to the count down before dosing off.

Scene #4 Rest up for an early start. The Philadelphia Mummers are sure to entertain those who dare to venture out in the early morning in cold weather, camp out down town, and watch sequined men in drag do the famous Mummer's strut down Second Street. Here's an insider tip: Make sure you bring a seat or cushion, your snuggly, and a thermos for hot cocoa which you will likely be able to purchase at the parade along with a Philly soft pretzel.

Scene #3 Praise God. Many churches are filled to capacity at their New Years Eve Service. At mega churches like Enon Tabernacle, Sharon Baptist, The Philadelphia Christian Center, Deliverance Evangelistic Church, and Christian Stronghold; visitors, especially children, are always welcomed warmly. The Philadelphia Christian Center is hosting a New Year's Eve Dessert Fellowship at 7 PM on New Year's Eve, New Year's Eve Service at 10 PM, and a bowling party immediately following service from 1 AM to 3 AM on New Year's Day. Tickets for the bowling party must be purchased in advance.

Scene #2 The Belmont Plateau is where everybody goes. There are many places to view the city's annual fireworks display, but Will Smith would agree that it doesn't have to be summertime for you to appreciate the picturesque view of the city lights just beyond the rolling green hills of Fairmount Park. Get their early to get a good parking spot so that you can ooh and ahh from the comfort of your safe, heated vehicle. Also be sure to bring snacks and $10-15 in cash for the plethora of mesmerizing, glow in the dark toys that your child will insist on your purchasing.

Scene #1 Experience the New Year's Eve Celebration at Longwood. This is truly a remarkable experience and well worth the 45 minute drive if you live inside the city. Longwood Gardens begins their New Year's Eve Celebration at 1:30 PM and continues until they close at 10 PM leaving ample time for you to beat the party goer traffic. It's best to come early because you'll be competing for parking with folks who have traveled the world to not only see the spectacular fireworks display, but also to see, touch, and smell the lush indoor and outdoor gardens whose delightful fragrance permeates the over 1000 acres of pure paradise. There are face painters, balloons, and strolling performers buzzing about to entertain you as you and your family marvel at both the sheer beauty and historical significance of the place. A little known fact is that Longwood Gardens served as an important stop on the 'underground railroad' for runaway slaves seeking freedom before the civil war. Purchase tickets in advance for the ice skating performance as well as for general admission to avoid the lines. Adult General admission is $16 with a slightly discounted rate for seniors. Admission for students with an ID and children ages 5-18 is $6. Children under 5 are free.